Repair any home project slip-up with these expert tips

Whoops!

Whoops!

You thought you’d save a few bucks by fixing up your home yourself. But you didn’t count on making that big boo-boo. Now what? “Almost every mistake can be fixed by someone,” says Jodi Marks, a licensed contractor and author of Fix It in a Flash: 25 Common Home Repairs and Improvements. “And if someone can fix it, why can’t that someone be you?” Here’s how to get past the most common DIY mistakes when redecorating or renovating.

1. The new paint is too bright or dark.

1. The new paint is too bright or dark.

You thought you loved it, but it’s not what you expected. “Fortunately, there are many fixes,” says Sarah Saucedo, who blogs at ThriftyDecorChick.com. “Use masking tape to make vertical sections; then, paint stripes in a lighter shade. Or try adding large-scale graphic stencils.” You can also tone down the color by applying a sheer glaze over it. Or cover the wall with art so that only a little paint peeks through.

Next time: Buy sample jars to paint swatches in several areas of the room (or paint a poster board you can move around) before deciding on a color.